Childhood Emotional Neglect, Psychological Distress: Moderating role of Peer Support in Young Adults

Saba Noreen; Zarrin Atif

doi:10.54938/ijemd-ss.2026.05.6.875

Authors

Saba Noreen Riphah Institute of Clinical and Professional Psychology, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
Zarrin Atif Riphah Institute of Clinical and Professional Psychology, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54938/ijemd-ss.2026.05.6.875

Keywords:

childhood emotional neglect, psychological distress, peer support, young adults

Abstract

Psychological distress during young adulthood may be influenced by early emotional experiences and current interpersonal relationships. The current study investigates the relationship between childhood emotional neglect, peer support and psychological distress in young adults. A quantitative research design was used with 200 participants aged 18-25 years selected through purposive sampling from educational institutions of Lahore. Childhood emotional neglect, peer support and psychological distress were measured with the Childhood Emotional Neglect Questionnaire (CENQ), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived social support (MSPSS), and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), respectively. Data were analyzed using Pearson- product moment correlation, hierarchical regression, PROCESS moderation analysis and one way ANOVA. Childhood emotional neglect was significantly and positively associated with psychological distress while peer support was not significantly and directly associated with psychological distress. Hierarchical regression indicates that psychological distress was significantly predicted by childhood emotional neglect, while peer support was not a significant direct predictor. The regression model explained 12.5% of variance in psychological distress. Moderation analysis showed significant interaction effects of friends’ support (P= .017) and family support (P= .032), indicating that these sources of support moderated the relationship between childhood emotional neglect and psychological distress. There were significant socio-economic differences for childhood emotional and peer support, but not for psychological distress. The findings highlight the importance of considering childhood emotional experiences and interpersonal resources when understanding psychological distress among young adults.

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